24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs has reported that Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron assessed, opened and controlled air traffic at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Special Tactics Airmen have the ability to assess, open, and control major airfields to clandestine dirt strips in any environment, including those that have been impacted by a natural disaster.

The Special Tactics Airmen cleared and established a runway at 7 p.m., Oct. 11, and received the first aircraft at 7:06 p.m.

Special Tactics Airmen are in control of the airfield and are prepared to support airfield operations at Tyndall Air Force Base until further notice. This will allow support to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Tyndall Air Force Base.

Tyndall Air Force Base received extensive damage in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Florida, took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael. The base has sustained extensive damage, said in an official statement.

The base commander ordered a mandatory evacuation of base personnel Monday, Oct. 8.

Tyndall houses F-22 Raptors, T-38 Talons, QF-16s/F-16 Fighting Falcons converted into unmanned aircraft.